OAKTON, VA — HopeLink Behavioral Health, an Oakton-based nonprofit providing mental health and crisis support services across Northern Virginia, raised a record nearly $1.3 million during its annual Imagine Hope Benefit on Friday.
The fundraiser, held at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, will support HopeLink's programs serving people experiencing behavioral health challenges and other life crises. The organization provides services designed to help individuals achieve independence, self-sufficiency and safety.
During the event, HopeLink also presented its Cassaday Hope Award to Pinnacle Financial Partners in recognition of the company's financial contributions, volunteer efforts and advocacy on behalf of the nonprofit.
"I'm inspired by the commitment and generosity of our Imagine Hope sponsors and attendees," HopeLink CEO Joseph Getch said in a statement. "Their tremendous support will have a tangible benefit to our community, enabling us to reach more people with our effective behavioral health programs that are saving and changing lives in our region."
The Nov. 6 event was co-chaired by Waleed and Carmen Bississo and Paul and Miriam Dell'Isola. NBC4's Drew Wilder served as emcee for the evening, which included stories from people affected by HopeLink's services, culinary offerings and silent and live auctions.
Steve and Mary Cassaday presented the Cassaday Hope Award, which is named in their honor and recognizes compassion, advocacy, care and support.
Pinnacle Financial Partners received this year's award for its involvement with HopeLink beyond financial contributions. According to the nonprofit, company employees volunteer their time, teach financial literacy, attend HopeLink events and advocate for the organization's services.
"We were also happy to recognize the amazing support of Pinnacle Financial Partners, which has opened doors to more people who are seeking mental health services," Getch said.
Cassaday & Company and the Keany Family served as premier sponsors of the benefit. Other major sponsors included Pinnacle Financial Partners, Diaconia, the Rabaut Family Foundation, the Robbins Family, Concept Plus, EJF Philanthropies, Focused Image and Jacques Financial.
HopeLink offers a range of behavioral health programs for Northern Virginia residents, including outpatient mental health therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, mental health skills training, supported employment and peer support services.
The nonprofit also provides coordinated specialty care and other programs designed to help individuals recover from behavioral health challenges and rebuild their lives.
In addition to its community-based programs, HopeLink operates as a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center and regional crisis call center, responding to calls, texts and online chats from people across Virginia and the country.
People seeking mental health or crisis support can call or text 988 at any time or visit 988lifeline.org/chat for online assistance.
Additional information about HopeLink's programs is available at hopelinkbh.org.
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